What characteristic is present during the formal operations stage in Piaget's theory?

The formal operations stage in Piaget's cognitive development theory is distinguished by the individual's capacity for abstract thinking. During this stage, which typically begins around age 11, individuals can think logically about abstract concepts, engage in problem-solving, and formulate hypotheses. This allows them to move beyond concrete experiences and consider possibilities, making connections between different ideas and concepts that are not immediately present.

The other characteristics listed pertain to different stages or concepts. Understanding of reversibility is associated with the concrete operational stage, where children learn that objects can change and then return to their original state. Egocentrism is a characteristic of the preoperational stage, where children struggle to see perspectives other than their own. Trust versus mistrust is a concept from Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, focusing on the early stages of personality development rather than cognitive development. Understanding these distinctions highlights why the capacity for abstract thinking is a key feature of the formal operations stage.